Eastern Counties Rugby Union

Following an official complaint, Eastern Counties Rugby Union's Chair of Discipline, Declan Gallagher, and Discipline Secretary, David Broughton, undertook an investigation into allegations of recreational drug use in and around Beccles RUFC.

That investigation has now concluded and the report has been presented to the club. The report concluded that there is not sufficient direct evidence to support disciplinary charges against any individual or against the club as a whole, but that the club has a number of issues it must address to improve its management and to ensure that its practice and its reputation are restored.

Eastern Counties Rugby Union and the RFU staff team will be providing support to the club and a meeting is being arranged with the club’s management to agree a detailed plan of action to be led by the club itself.

In considering its approach to this issue, Eastern Counties Rugby Union is mindful of the fact that rugby clubs are part of their communities and there will always be a risk that community problems become insinuated into the rugby family. The use of illicit substances is a societal evil and one we are determined to exclude from our game. If we find evidence to support disciplinary action, anyone bringing the game into disrepute on a drug related matter can expect the most stringent of sanctions.

The club has suffered a 25 point deduction in their league due to irregularities in completing their electronic match cards and player registrations: this is not related to the investigation led by Eastern Counties Rugby Union’s disciplinary team.